Results for tag "tlc-photography"

A wedding photographer’s preparation

A photographer prepares for a wedding just as they would for any other shoot, ensuring that the equipment is ready, the personnel are ready, and that there’s a working plan.  The difference with a wedding is that these events have a special kind of emotional attachment, as well as a sense of urgency… you can’t do it over, in other words.

My preparation is fairly simple.  But here it is…

  • I review the schedule to make sure what time I’m suppose to be there and when, making sure I have plenty of gas in the car to get there. I review some names of the accompanying party so I can make people a bit more at ease by using their name and not just a general reference.
  • All of the equipment gets cleaned, even if it isn’t dirty.
  • All of the batteries get charged; camera, flash, remote, extension, and portable hard drive.
  • I review the camera settings to make certain that everything is where I want it, and if it isn’t I set it that way.
  • I familiarize myself with the assistant/second shooter for the day and write reminders for myself on things I need to tell them about procedures that we should follow for this wedding.
  • I pack all my equipment the morning of or the night before.  Everything should be ready to go when I get to the wedding.

The actual pre-coverage preparation is a bit more complex, but this gives you an idea of what goes into the before the wedding agenda.

Any questions?

You can view our wedding coverage, including photos at tlcphotography.com/weddings.

What is a Concept Shoot?

In the past several months, we’ve been using the term “concept shoot” on Facebook from time to time.  So, you might be curious as to what a concept shoot means or entails.

Frequently, us creative types get visions of imagery that we want to create.  While many of the best concept shoots require lots of advance planning, some do not.  One type of concept shoot is that which involves a specific scenario, location or setup.  Another type is usually more grandiose, including several people, increased lighting and setup, and plenty of time to create a one-of-a-kind image.

The reason we do concept shoots is to test certain ideas.  For example, we recently did a concept shoot involving people with tattoos.  The objective was to photograph tattooed skin with as much dramatic light as possible, enhancing the overall appearance of the tattoo.  To do that, we recruited models who had tattoos.  The concept was to create this dramatic lighting in the studio.

This is just one example.  Some are considerably more elaborate.  We are working on two now (in the planning stages) that involve a much bigger canvas and some cooperation from the weather and other circumstances.

If you want to be part of any of our future concept shoots, please let us know.  We welcome onlookers and those who want to learn… but don’t be surprised if we ask you to haul equipment or handle the lighting or something.

Tia and Andrew

They say that a wedding can be planned overnight, with the right people and the right circumstances.  While I’ve yet to see that happen, at least with any detail and glitz, this one came pretty close.  With only about 30 days of planning, this wedding went off with nary a hitch (well, except the happy couple GETTING hitched).  We enjoyed every minute.

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Senior Model 2012: Rachelle

Rachelle has such a classic look, it was so easy to work with her.  We enjoyed a very special moment during our first shoot together, when a friend of hers showed up and had a reunion moment; yes, caught on film.

Rachelle attends Jefferson High School, and we photographed her brother’s senior portraits two years ago.  We’re looking forward to continue working with her this season.

For more information on senior portraits, visit our senior site.

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Senior Model 2012: Nicole

Like so many of our best clients, most people come to us because they know someone who is already our client.  Nicole, who attends Jefferson High School, came to us because her mom got some headshots done awhile back.  We also did some restoration work for her.

Nicole is a very self-assured young lady, and we can’t wait to show you some more of her images… it’s going to be a great year!

To review all of our services, please check out our main website.

Senior Model 2012: Samantha

When we first meet most seniors, they are a little bit shy and reserve; not Samantha. She acted like she’d known me for years.  And maybe she has… but it almost makes no difference.  Her happy go lucky personality is so endearing (and contagious) that you can’t help but like her almost right away.

Samantha has been asking about seeing her photos since day one, even adding “my grandma wants to see them, too!”  I accused her of pulling the “grandma card” on me.  But here’s the first, with many more to come.  Hedgesville High School will never be the same. 🙂

Want to learn more about our photography, including senior portraits, visit our main site, or go straight to our seniors-only site.

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Senior Model 2012: Mari

Here’s an eye-opener for ya.  We photographed Mari’s older sister, Michelle, for her senior portraits some 13 years ago.  That’s right… now we’ve come full circle with another great family.  But how I met Mari is kind of funny, too.  Michelle told me to say “hi” to her sister Mari for her when I was going to take Jefferson High School softball pictures last year.  I went up to Mari and said “your sister said to say ‘hi’.” After a bit of a cross look, Mari (who is also nearly six feet tall) asks “how do you know my sister?” <gulp>

Recently, during one of Mari’s sessions, we agreed I was an okay guy, despite me being a “near-creeper” when we first met.  Can’t wait to show you more from Mari’s sessions, but for now we have this little intro.

For more information about senior portraits, please visit our senior website.

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Senior Models 2012: Kayla

I guess you could say that I met Kayla first as a dancer, and have known her for awhile.  But Kayla moved on to other interests, which includes cheerleading for Martinsburg High School.  She has a persistent smile, so I’m sure that helps.

One thing that is familiar among many of this year’s models is height.  Kayla comes in at just under six feet tall, which always makes for an interesting opportunity in street-level shooting.  In the studio, we just made her sit down. 🙂

You will be able to see more of Kayla’s (and all our senior models) images on our Facebook page.  You can learn more about our senior portraits on our website.

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Senior Portraits: A Primer

This is the first in a series of articles about senior portraits.  Not how to photograph them, market them or even get into the business of them.  But more along the lines of education for parents and students alike who want to go into the senior portrait season with a bit more savvy & educated about the many choices they have available.

Let’s start out with what exactly senior portraits are.

In short, they are thought of by many as a rite of passage.  The “it’s my turn” phenomenon started somewhere along the way, giving young people an opportunity to give family and friends a picture of themselves, maybe as a celebration of the graduation prospect, but more likely a final “farewell” to the days of high school and a “hello” to the adulthood which follows.

Whatever it may mean to you, this area is passionate about senior portraits.  Not all areas of the country are.  Some portrait photographers in other states routinely ask the question “what are senior portraits?”  After a brief description, they say “kids will never go for that, much less the parents.”  Around here, participation in senior portraits is pretty healthy (as in, there are lots of people doing it).

High schools typically engage a photography company to take senior portraits.  The photography company is responsible for scheduling the seniors to have their portraits taken (usually at the school) during a 2-3 week period during the summer between their junior and senior year.  While students are always encouraged and compelled to participate, it is not a requirement.  Many schools require that the school photographer take their yearbook photo, due mostly to the desire to avoid a multitude of different backgrounds and dress codes.  Just for the record, we comply with the background and dress code requirements for Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan county seniors.  The reason why the schools select a single photographer is because the photographer makes a deal to donate back up to 50% of their sales to the school.  This usually helps fund the production of the yearbook, and keeps the individual cost of yearbook sales down.

Students who want to comply with the school’s mandated dress code and background for their yearbook photo should either have their yearbook photo taken at the school (they usually do it at no charge), or select an area photographer who meets the requirements and can do it for them.  We do not charge to take the yearbook photo, as long as you are also having other pictures done with us.  We do charge for taking and submitting the yearbook photo if you are having no other photos taken.

After all is said and done, a senior (and parent, most likely) will look at the photos, the packages, and their picture needs and decide what to order.  There is such a variety of photographic products now, I’m going to hold off on that for another installment.

So, that’s the basics.  There’s more to come.  Next up: Choices.

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Senior Models 2012: Lynsey

Lynsey was one of those people I’ve photographed quite a bit, but never knew it.  We first “met” when we have photographed her as part of her band performances at Boonsboro High School.  When her mother called about the senior models program, well, it just had to be done.

Very quick-witted, Lynsey was able to keep up with my constant patter during her shoots.  We’re very much looking forward to working with her in the coming months.  Oh, and look for a post about her sister!

For more information about senior portraits, please visit our Senior Site!

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